Gone are the days when you had to wait in long queues for toll payments. Thanks to the introduction of FASTag, toll payments have become easier and more convenient, making long road trips seamless without the hassle of carrying cash and changing tolls. However, while setting the tag, a question always arises: Should you link it with a digital wallet or directly to a bank account?
Since both options have advantages and disadvantages, it depends on user preferences and habits. In this article, we’ll compare the two options to give you a better understanding and clarity, helping you make the right choice.
What is a FASTag?
A FASTag is a small electronic RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag that allows drivers to deduct toll payments automatically as they pass through the toll booths. The tag is attached to the windshield of the vehicle and gets scanned at the toll plazas, eliminating the need to stop in the long queues.
Here are the reasons why every traveller must choose this tag:
- There is no need to carry cash and fumble over changes at the toll booths.
- It avoids traffic congestion and allows drivers to smoothly pass through the toll plazas.
- It saves users valuable time and fuel by preventing them from waiting in long lines.
- The tag is easy to recharge via an online app and gets accepted all over the country.
- Users can get the transaction history and receipts online, eliminating the need to use paper and is eco-friendly.
FASTag Wallet
The FASTag wallet is a prepaid digital savings account connected to the tag device. It is specifically designed to manage tag funds, allowing users to control their balance through an app. Funds can be transferred to this wallet for direct payment of tolls.
Benefits of using a digital wallet:
- It simplifies the fund management process, as users can conveniently preload their digital wallets using their preferred payment methods, including UPI, net banking, and credit and debit cards.
- Using a separate wallet prevents unnecessary or accidental deductions from the primary bank accounts.
- The wallets are seamlessly integrated into the preferred payment methods, allowing users to recharge their tags easily without entering bank details every time.
- Digital wallets allow you to monitor and track your spending and get instant notifications.
- Many online app wallets offer the benefits of an auto-recharge option. This ensures that your tag always has sufficient funds and prevents unnecessary delays and inconvenience at the toll plazas.
Bank Account Linking
Apart from having a separate digital wallet, users can also choose to directly link their FASTag to their bank account, where payments are directly deducted from their accounts.
Benefits of bank account linking:
- Payments automatically get deducted from the bank account, eliminating the need to recharge the wallet every time it runs out of funds.
- Since the deductions are made directly from the bank account, this prevents the need to track and monitor the balance of the digital wallets.
- All the toll payments can be tracked through the bank statements.
Which Option is Better?
Choosing between both options depends on your travel frequencies and personal preferences:
Opt for a FASTag wallet if:
- You want to keep track of your toll payments in a separate account.
- You prefer to manage dedicated funds for toll payments.
- You value the convenience of auto-recharging wallets and don’t want to take the risk of bank server failures, causing inconvenience at toll plazas.
Opt for bank account linking if:
- You prefer the convenience of automatic deductions directly from your bank account.
- You don’t want to manage a separate wallet and worry about recharging it.
Final Thoughts
Both digital wallets and bank account linking have pros and cons, and the choice totally depends on users’ needs. If you are seeking a trusted FASTag mobile app to efficiently link your wallet to your bank account and manage your toll payments, try Bajaj Finserv. It offers various benefits like an auto-load feature, quick and hassle-free payments and is a user-friendly platform, making navigation easy for everyone.
So, analyse your needs and preferences to make the right choice and enjoy your long road trips.